Wolfpack score late to even series with Tigers |
Carlos Rodon tossed 8.0 innings of three-hit ball and #17 N.C. State escaped a jam in the ninth inning to defeat Clemson 3-1 in front of 5,619 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Wolfpack, who evened the series 1-1, improved to 23-10 overall and 10-7 in the ACC. The Tigers dropped to 20-16 overall and 9-8 in ACC play.
Despite Rodon's strong outing, the Tigers scored a run in the sixth inning to take a 1-0 lead. But Trea Turner's two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning gave the Wolfpack the lead for good. The Tigers put two runners in scoring position with no outs in the ninth inning, but both runners were stranded there and N.C. State held on for the two-run victory. Rodon (6-0), who threw 129 pitches, allowed just three hits, one run, and four walks with eight strikeouts to earn the win. Chris Overman retired both batters he faced in the ninth inning to record his third save of the year. N.C. State's four pitchers combined to limit Clemson to 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, 1-for-10 with two outs, and only five hits overall. Tiger starter
Dominic LeoneDominic Leone The Tigers broke through with the game's first run in the sixth inning.
Richie ShafferRichie Shaffer Ryan Mathews led off the seventh inning with a double off the wall in left-center and Brett Austin struck out. Andrew Ciencin hit a chopper to Shaffer at third, but the ball hit the lip of the grass, allowing Ciencin to reach on the bad-hop single as Mathews stayed on second base. Pinch-hitter John Gianis grounded out to second to move both runners up a base, then Turner lined a two-out double to right-center to score Mathews and Ciencin, giving the Wolfpack a 2-1 lead. In the eighth inning, Danny Canela led off with a single through the left side and advanced to second on Chris Diaz's sacrifice bunt. Tarran Senay then lofted a high flyball to deep left-center that
Garrett BoulwareGarrett Boulware
Jay BaumJay Baum Mathews and Ciencin led N.C. State's nine-hit performance with two hits and one run apiece, while Turner had a game-high two RBIs. Costigan came off the bench to go 2-for-2, while Shaffer scored Clemson's only run. Shaffer, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, saw his 10-game hitting streak come to an end. Clemson and N.C. State will play game-three of the three-game series on Sunday at 1:00 PM. The game will be available live via webcast at ESPN3.
Jr. RH Pitcher
#6 5-11, 195
Norwich, CT
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(5-3) suffered the loss. He gave up nine hits, three runs, and one walk with seven strikeouts in 7.1 innings pitched.
Jr. 3rd Base
#8 6-3, 205
Charlotte, NC
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drew a one-out walk on six pitches and
Phil PohlPhil Pohl
Sr. Catcher
#9 5-11, 215
Cooperstown, NY
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belted an 0-2 pitch down the right-field line for an opposite-field double. Shaffer was able to score on the play on an error by Brett Austin in right field.
Fr. Catcher
#30 6-1, 200
Anderson, SC
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could not catch. Canela scored from second on Senay's double.
Fr. Infielder
#13 5-11, 180
Alpharetta, GA
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led off the ninth inning with a bloop single to center on an 0-2 pitch, as he became Clemson's first leadoff batter of an inning to reach base in the game.
Joe CostiganJoe Costigan
So. Outfielder
#5 5-11, 200
Naples, FL
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then ripped a 1-2 pitch through the right side for a single to advance Baum to third. After pinch-runner
Tyler SlatonTyler Slaton
Fr. Outfielder
#18 5-7, 195
Cumming, GA
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stole second to put the potential tying run in scoring position with no outs,
Jon McGibbonJon McGibbon
So. 1st Base
#12 6-1, 210
Lindenhurst, NY
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struck out swinging on a 3-2 breaking ball out of the strikezone for out #1. Pinch-hitter
Brad FelderBrad Felder
Gr. Outfielder
#3 6-0, 200
Bowman, SC
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struck out looking for out #2, then
Jason StolzJason Stolz
Sr. Infielder
#2 6-2, 205
Marietta, GA
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popped up to second to end the game.
#17 N.C. State at Clemson
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